Simon Mee’s Reviews > A Song of Ice and Fire, 5-Book Boxed Set: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons > Status Update
Simon Mee
is 58% done
Third down. Multiple climatic moments, which means more consequences, which means more threads to untangle - Martin didn't help himself by adding another one in the epilogue! Jaime stands out as a new POV.
While mostly low fantasy, the world feels different. Dreams mean more, children age faster (perhaps a writing issue), the logistics of so many horses seems less unsolvable (maybe also a writing issue). Love it.
— Jul 22, 2026 07:29AM
While mostly low fantasy, the world feels different. Dreams mean more, children age faster (perhaps a writing issue), the logistics of so many horses seems less unsolvable (maybe also a writing issue). Love it.
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Simon’s Previous Updates
Simon Mee
is 76% done
This one was a bitch writes Martin in his acknowledgements for the fourth book. It goes along way to explaining the present delays.
Anyway, this is actually my favourite, notwithstanding any audience (or even Martin's) comments. Some new threats get spun up via the Sparrows, Dorne and the Ironborn, but AFFC leans on the war theme and characters. Is Cersei realistic? Maybe not, but she is compelling.
— Jul 28, 2026 11:24AM
Anyway, this is actually my favourite, notwithstanding any audience (or even Martin's) comments. Some new threats get spun up via the Sparrows, Dorne and the Ironborn, but AFFC leans on the war theme and characters. Is Cersei realistic? Maybe not, but she is compelling.
Simon Mee
is 35% done
Going a bit slower than planned but A Clash of Kings now done. Dany is in a bit of a holding pattern in order to get her dragons going.
What I like is the switch from the climax of the first book (Who will be King?) to a new narrative line (Who will be King?). It's more of a jump than it seems as Martin rustles up four claimants, each with their own faults. Robb's winning himself to death is a cool theme.
— Jul 13, 2026 02:12AM
What I like is the switch from the climax of the first book (Who will be King?) to a new narrative line (Who will be King?). It's more of a jump than it seems as Martin rustles up four claimants, each with their own faults. Robb's winning himself to death is a cool theme.
Simon Mee
is on page 987 of 5044
One down. I feel I underrated it first time round, hard not to love the lore and the characterisation, with a plot that moves (helped a little by crows that deliver information Kingdom wide so quickly!).
— Jul 04, 2026 08:31PM